“It is an irremediable wound for these Oriental Churches sui iuris, but it is also a serious damage for Syrian society itself,” he said.
“Christians, who have been present in the Middle East for 2,000 years, have made a notable contribution to the development of their country, especially in the fields of education and health, with very efficient and esteemed schools and hospitals,” Zenari continued.
“The presence of Christians could be compared, for Syrian society itself, to an open window on the world. Christians are generally open-minded and tolerant. With every Christian family that emigrates, the window gradually closes.”
The cardinal also echoed Pope Francis’ appeal for an end to the violence in Ukraine.
“It is sad to see repeated in Ukraine the same harrowing images of pain seen in Syria: destroyed neighborhoods, deaths, millions of refugees, use of unconventional weapons such as cluster bombs, bombing of hospitals and schools. Seeing the exact same descent into hell that was seen in Syria.”
“Surely Syria, mutatis mutandis, wants to sternly admonish others not to fall into the same place of torment into which she herself has fallen,” he said.
Credit: Source link
